Friday, March 24, 2017

I see so many parents now-a-days who just question the 'standards' of
schools. And then there are schools like Siksha - a little place in one
of the quiet green roads of BTM, Bangalore; this place was a blessing for my child
and many such children.

What started on the 5th of June 2013 with Z joining
Siksha Montessori, finally ends today with my daughter graduating. And what an
incredible journey it has been.

It's been a beautiful ride and we (Faizan and me)
couldn't have asked for more. Siksha soon became a very important part of Z's
life. She spoke non-stop about her school and how every experience was
enjoyable and enriching, the amazing day she had, the discussions,
celebrations, mishaps, presentations et. al.

Once she settled down in Siksha, I have never heard
her say "Mumsy I don't want to go to school". When she attended her
extended sessions for a few months, where her school hours increased, she was
equally excited. She learned so much, but more than anything, she enjoyed the
process.

You were the first environment Z encountered outside
her home, and you've given her much more than we, as her parents could've asked
for. Siksha was more than just a school for us... it was a place she made her
second home, a place she felt safe, secure, loved and free.

A huge shout out to all the aunties and the help
staff... you took care of so many little ones, and continue to do so. It is
nothing short of a blessing for us.

It was by chance that Faizan, Z and I walked into
those Siksha gates... but, finally when we chose Siksha, we instantly connected
with the environment and Neetha’s vision... As parents, not once did we have a
chance to doubt our decision.

It is time to move on, and we will miss Siksha as much
as Z. The next school she joins, has to match up to the high standards Siksha
has set. This, is not just for us,

I know I speak for many graduating parents.

Siksha has given a beautiful environment to my
daughter and the transition will be a challenging one for her and for us.

Thanks Siksha for the beautiful foundation you've
given to our child. Thanks for transforming her into a sensible little girl and
a nice person at heart. Words won't do justice to all that I want to say.

Here is to the amazing people at Siksha, may you keep
touching the lives of many many more children out there. God bless you!

Friday, March 3, 2017

A nice warm Sunday morning and all you want is to stay in bed for just a little longer. Usually, I start thinking too much, throw the covers and get up without even letting my mind relax. That Sunday was different, it was a Sunday, which made me lazy and just stay in bed for a little longer. Since, my husband was snoring away, which was pretty unusual (no not the snoring bit, but the staying late in bed bit), I thought, I would enjoy my Sunday. After contemplating for half an hour, trying to enjoy, I got up. As I stepped out of the room, I see my 6 year old sitting there, reading The BFG for the nth time. Now, if you know Z, you'd say that's not unusual, I agree. What was unusual was she was all dressed up... teeth brushed, changed, ate breakfast and combed her hair.

I, for one, don't want her to grow up too soon, I want her to feel like a baby... I tried to ignore the sight as a 'one-off' and sat down with my chai and mobile... She gets up, goes in my house help's room and says "Mumsy uth gayee hai, breakfast banate hain" (Mumsy is up, let's make breakfast). She takes my house-help to the kitchen and gets breakfast ready. Half my breakfast is 2 slices of toasted whole wheat bread and at least she prepared that. I see her get the plate from the kitchen. I try, not to look up, and she says, "Excuse me Mumsy, breakfast is important." I pout, keep my phone away and take the plate. Once I'm done she takes my plate and I'm back with my phone (I usually avoid phones on Sundays, but the scene in front of me was super scary).

I feel like someone standing in front of me, AGAIN. I look up, she has a The BFG: Plays for Children in her hand. She says, "I did everything for you, and you forgot your promise."

Ahhh! Blackmail, I like that.

Me (my smile which had faded away back on my face): "Yes Z, tell me" I throw my phone away.
Z (now, she is pouting): "You promised you will read the 'whole book' with me"

My smile fades away a little... one part of my brain says "What? You promised to read aloud a 120 'pager' in one day... are you nuts?" another part is constantly saying, "A promise is a promise, besides she did so much for you in the morning."

My smile broadens and my eyes twinkle, "Let's do it"

Z has a broader smile and a brighter twinkle in her eyes, "Yes!" she said... As if saying, "You fell in the TRAP again"

Score: Mumsy 000 Z 100

Post that 1 and a half hours were filled with completely crazy book-a-licious fun.

Actually

Score: Mumsy 100 Z 100

After I read the last page, I turn to Z and say, "Next time, just tell me to read, avoid the drama."